THE GUERNSEY PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST

Transcription

1 THE GUERNSEY PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST PO Box 145 Bulwer Avenue Office Bulwer Avenue St Sampson GY2 4LR Tel: Introduction Having been issued with a provisional licence and then undertaken a theory test (and CBT training if a motorcyclist), you will then need to prepare for your practical test. This document will provide you with some useful advice and information that will help you to prepare. You will find information about the following: Provisional Driving Licences L Plates Booking your Practical Test Speed limits Driving and the Disabled Minimum Test vehicle Standards (MTV s) Other useful information About your Provisional Driving Licence Please remember that you may only drive a motor vehicle with a provisional driving licence when you are being supervised by a person who has held a full driving licence in the relevant category for at least one year. However, if you are driving a moped, a light motorcycle, a motorcycle, an agricultural tractor, a road repairing machine or a motorised tricycle or a quadricycle (categories P, A1, A, F, G or B1) under the terms of your provisional licence, then you do not need to be supervised. The same is true if you are driving an electrically propelled vehicle within category L, if it is only designed to be occupied solely by the driver. The validity of your provisional driving licence will vary, depending on your age and the category of vehicle which it authorises you to drive. Please check your licence carefully to make sure you are aware when your licence will commence and expire. Drivers of mopeds, light motorcycles, motorcycles, agricultural tractors, road repairing machines, motorised tricycles or quadricycles or electrically propelled vehicles within category L are asked to pay particular attention to the validity of their provisional driving licences as they are valid for a maximum of two years. Information about L plates When driving under a provisional driving licence L plates must be displayed on the front and rear of your vehicle in a vertical or near vertical position and on a flat surface so that they are clearly visible to other road users from the front and back of the vehicle. L plates that are wrapped around the forks or

2 over the front mudguard of a motorcycle, or mounted on the flat bonnet of a car are not acceptable. L plates are not to be placed on front or rear windscreens where visibility can be impaired. It is important that you are aware of the need to display legally sized L plates. It is an offence to reduce the size of a standard plate in any way and then display it on your motor vehicle or motorcycle. Candidates for driving tests must ensure that they are displaying legally sized L plates or they will not be permitted to proceed with the test. The figure L must be red on a white background and the size should be as in the diagram below. They can be obtained from most garage forecourts and motor accessory shops. Are you aware of the maximum speed limits for certain types of vehicles? Drivers are reminded of the legislation governing the maximum speed limits for vehicles of the following type: Trailers (Speed limit of motor vehicle to which trailer is attached) Steam boilers, tar boilers, concrete mixers, Material spreaders and other trailers of any kind whatsoever with metal wheels 8mph Four-wheeled heavy trailers of the low loader type 12mph Caravan homes, horse and cattle boxes & two-wheeled trailer of any kind whatsoever 20mph An omnibus 25mph A motor vehicle exceeding two tons unladen 25mph An articulated vehicle 25mph How can I prepare for the practical test? It is important that you study for your practical test. Not only will this help you to pass your test, but it will also help you to become a safe driver. You must learn the Highway Code and this should be read in conjunction with the local supplement to the Highway Code. This is available free from local bookshops when you purchase a copy of the Highway Code or can be downloaded from the theory test section at

3 There are a range of publications from the Driving Standards Agency which are useful aids to learn to drive. These publications, which are detailed below, are available from local book shops or can be purchased online: The Driving Test, The Motor Cycling Manual, The Goods Vehicle Driving Manual, The Bus and Coach Driving Manual, The Driving Manual and The Highway Code There are also CD-Roms and DVD s that are available from bookshops which help with practical driving test preparation. You should remember, of course, that some aspects of these training aids do not apply in Guernsey, but your driving instructor will be able to advise you about these. Booking your practical driving test In most circumstances candidates wishing to take a practical driving test in any category have to pass a separate theory test before booking and taking a practical test. For detailed information on theory test requirements read the document entitled The Guernsey Driving Theory Test which you will find in the theory and practical test section at Driving tests can normally only be taken after you have held your provisional driving licence for at least one month, unless it is being booked to obtain a full licence after a period of disqualification for a Schedule 1 offence when the one month waiting period does not apply. Tests can be booked on line at: If you plan to use a Driving School car, you will need to liaise with your Driving Instructor to ensure availability for both the test and a pre-test lesson which is recommended. If you need to cancel/rebook your driving test, then this can be done online. However, if the change or cancellation is made with less than seven days notice, (excluding the day the test was cancelled or the day of the test) the test fee will be forfeited unless you are unable to attend on medical grounds and a doctor s certificate is provided. Motorcyclists should note that if they have taken a CBT course on an automatic scooter/motorcycle then they will only be permitted to take a practical driving test on an automatic scooter/motorcycle. Where will my practical test take place? Driving tests being undertaken in Guernsey begin and end at Driver & Vehicle Licensing Bulwer Avenue offices. You should park your vehicle on one of the driving test bays at the rear of the building and then report to the reception desk. Driving tests being undertaken in Alderney begin and end at Alderney Airport. You should park your vehicle in one of the parking spaces near the entrance and report to the examiner who will be waiting in the terminal by the kiosk. You must arrive 15 minutes early for your test. Please remember that examiners have a tight timetable of tests each day and you may miss your test if you are late arriving and in which case you will lose your fee.

4 What should I bring for my practical test? You must remember to bring your provisional driving licence (including your paper counterpart) and a valid Theory Test pass certificate with you when you come for your test. If you are already a full licence holder in any of the related categories covered by the theory certificate then you are able to present an expired theory test certificate. Failure to produce any of these documents may result in your test being cancelled and you will lose your fee. Motorcyclists will also need to produce a valid Compulsory Basic Training pass certificate when they come for their test. The only exemption is for applicants that are taking a category A test who have held a full A1 licence for at least 12 months, as these applicants are not required to undertake any such additional CBT training. However, these applicants are required to bring with them their full A1 licence to prove to the examiner that they have held this category for a minimum of 12 months. Motorcyclists should also wear appropriate clothing. As a general guide the following is an indication of the minimum level of clothing that is acceptable:- Motorcycle boots or sturdy footwear, that provide support and ankle protection Leather motorcycle trousers or heavy denim trousers Leather motorcycle jacket or heavy denim jacket with several layers underneath Motorcycle gloves The following are examples of clothing that is not acceptable:- Lightweight training shoes or canvas basket ball trainers Any form of clothing with areas of exposed skin A shell suit or lightweight tracksuit Ripped jeans Lightweight fleece or hoody No gloves or ski gloves An examiner may advise those candidates who arrive inappropriately dressed that their test will not go ahead and the fee will be forfeited. Please check beforehand that the vehicle you are bringing for your driving test complies with the Minimum Test Vehicle requirements. These are set out later in this document. What will happen at the start of the practical test? The Driving Examiner will ask you to sign his Driving Test report form before the test begins to confirm that the vehicle is covered by the relevant vehicle insurance and that you normally live/have lived in the Bailiwick of Guernsey for at least 185 days in the last 12 months. This signature should match that on your driving licence. Varying your signature can result in delays and the possible cancellation of your test. Your examiner will ask if you want your instructor, or another person, to: accompany you in the vehicle on your driving test be present for the result and debrief at the end of the test

5 This person will usually be your driving instructor, but it could also be a relative or friend. They must be over 16 and can t take any part in the test. The presence of the instructor, relative or friend is encouraged so that they have firsthand experience of what takes place on the test and, should you fail, it makes it easier for them to address the errors in further training sessions. The examiner s assessor or a trainee examiner may come along on your test as well. Neither the assessor or trainee examiner will have any say in how you re tested or in your result and will not interfere in the test in any way. Having an assessor or a trainee examiner sit in on a test is essential in order to maintain a good quality and effective service. Your test will be cancelled and you will lose your fee if you don t let the examiner s assessor or trainee examiner go with you. Where a vehicle used for driving instruction is fitted with dual control accelerator pedal, it must be disconnected for the test. The engine must not be altered to run especially fast. Motorcyclists, Quad and Trike candidates, drivers of tractors and certain other vehicles, where the Driving Examiner follows in another vehicle, will be provided with an easy fitting one-way radio receiver so that the Examiner can give instruction to you by radio during the test. A brief of the test will be offered on the way to your vehicle and you will be required to read a vehicle registration number plate from a distance of at least 22.5 metres. This is the minimum distance you are required to be able to read a number plate in order to drive. If you need glasses or contact lenses to read the number plate, that is fine. However, you must wear them during the test and whenever you drive. If you have had sight correction surgery you should declare this when you apply for your provisional licence. If you cannot show your examiner that your eyesight is up to the required standard, you will have failed your driving test, and the test will go no further. At the start of the practical test, you will be required to undertake basic vehicle safety checks to ensure knowledge of safety related issues. You will not be asked to undertake tasks such as physically checking tyre pressures or engine oil etc but a list of standard question of the tell me and show me format will be used. For example, tell me how you would check the oil level and show me how you would check the car lights are working properly. A list of the questions for your relevant category can be accessed in the practical test section at The more modern cars generally have replaced the analogue speedometer for digital versions which tend to be mounted much deeper in the console and not easily readable by the examiner without encroaching into the candidate s space. The examiner may therefore carry a small hand held GPS device, which resembles a mobile phone, in order to monitor the speed at which the vehicle is travelling. What will happen during the driving part of the practical test? Category P, A1 and A

6 The driving part of the test will last for approximately 30 minutes, take in various road and traffic conditions and candidates will be asked at some point to carry out at least 2 normal stops, 1 angle start and 1 hill start. At a convenient location candidates will be required to push and ride the machine in a u- turn, carry out an emergency stop and complete a slow balanced ride. Category B1 and B The on road driving part of the test will last for approximately 30 minutes, take in various road and traffic conditions and candidates will be asked at some point to carry out at least 2 normal stops, 1 angle start and 1 hill start. Candidates may also be required to carry out an emergency stop exercise and will be required to carry out 2 random manoeuvres from a reverse park, left reverse exercise or a turn in the road. In the case of a panel van without side windows the candidate may be asked to carry out a right reverse manoeuvre. At some point during the test, candidates will be asked to follow a short number of directional instructions given by the examiner. This is known as the independent driving section. Category B+E, C1, C1+E, C, C+E, D1, D1+E, D and D+E The on road part of the test will last for approximately 1 hour*, take in various road and traffic conditions and candidates will at some point be asked to carry out a braking exercise and a reversing exercise into a restricted space at an off road manoeuvring area. Candidates will also be required to carry out at least 2 normal stops, 1 angle start, 1 uphill start and 1 downhill start. At some point during the test, candidates will be asked to follow a short number of directional instructions given by the examiner. This is known as the independent driving section. Candidates requiring the trailer entitlement (B+E, C1+E, C+E, D1+E and D+E) will be required to uncouple and recouple their trailer safely at some point during the test. *(The driving time for candidates in these categories will be slightly less, as this exercise will be undertaken within the 1 hour) D1 PSV and D PSV In addition to the above, candidates requiring the PSV element for both D1 and D categories will also be required at some point during the natural drive to stop on 2 occasions at designated bus stops in order to simulate loading and offloading of passengers. Category B PSV - Taxi The driving part of the test will last for approximately 1 hour and will be divided into two approximate 30 minute periods. The first period will be as per the category B test as outlined above. The second period will be a route-to-route test where the candidate will be asked by the examiner to go to 4 different random locations selected from within the taxi test syllabus. (This is available from this link The Candidate will need to find a minimum of three locations with no assistance from the examiner. The candidate will be tested on their ability to select the most appropriate route taking into consideration road and traffic conditions at that particular time. The route chosen should normally be the shortest/quickest possible route enabling the lowest fare to the passenger.

7 Consideration should be given to the safety and comfort of the passenger and drop off and pick up points will need to be selected with an emphasis on places of safety. The driving assessment will cover the entire two periods of the test. Driving Test Conclusion At the end of the test the examiner will advise the candidate of the test result and will, if appropriate and necessary, offer a de-brief if they have been unsuccessful. Candidates may have their instructors present for the conclusion of the test and any de-brief if the candidate so wishes. However it should be noted that the instructor would need to be within the immediate area of the finishing position and be immediately available in order for this to take place. A candidate will be successful if they have accumulated less than 16 driving faults and have no serious or dangerous marks recorded. A candidate will be unsuccessful if they have committed more than 15 driving faults or have one or more serious or dangerous faults recorded. Successful candidates will be given a pass certificate and will be required to sign the pass certificate and the driving test report to say that they have received the certificate. All candidates will be given a copy of the driving test report (DL 25). What should I do if I pass my driving test? Once you have passed your test, your examiner will issue you with a pass certificate. This entitles you to drive without L plates and without being supervised for up to seven days. Your pass certificate should be exchanged for a full driving licence within these seven days. Remember, if you pass your test in a motor vehicle which has automatic transmission, your full driving licence will be restricted to the use of such vehicles. You will need to complete an application form for a full licence and surrender your provisional licence and test pass slip to Driver & Vehicle Licensing. If, after seven days, you have not exchanged your pass certificate for a full licence, you will need to put the L plates back on your vehicle and depending on the category of vehicle, drive only under the supervision of another driver. Your pass certificate can be exchanged for a full licence up to a year after your test. What should I do if I fail my driving test? Following further training, you can rebook your test online at However, you will have to wait 14 calendar days before you can retake a practical test.

8 Remember that your provisional driving licence must be valid on the date of your test and in most circumstances (see above) you will require a valid theory test certificate (and a valid CBT if undertaking a motorcycle test). Minimum Test Vehicles The Committee for Environment & Infrastructure, in exercise of the powers conferred upon it by Section 15B. (b) of the Motor Taxation and Licensing Law, 1987, as amended resolves that when a motor vehicle is to be used for the purpose of undertaking a test of competence to drive as required under Section 4. (2) Of the Driving Licences (Guernsey Ordinance, 1995, that motor vehicle will comply with the following minimum standards: MAM refers to the Maximum Authorised Mass. i.e. the plated Gross Vehicle Weight as specified by the manufacturer (the permissible weight of the vehicle, trailer or vehicle/trailer combination). RTM refers to the Real Total Mass. i.e. the actual weight of the vehicle presented for test. GENERAL GUIDELINES All vehicles used for driving tests must be road legal, insured (displaying an insurance disc in the windscreen) and taxed (if applicable), roadworthy and have no malfunctioning warning lights showing. Vehicles that have the front side windows and/or the front windscreen significantly darkened will not be suitable for testing purposes. Vehicles must have a speedometer that measures speed in miles per hour All vehicles presented must be fitted with seatbelts and must be of the reel out/retract type in good working order for use by the examiner and any person supervising the test. All vehicles must have seatbelts fitted where required by the Seat Belts Ordinance, Vehicles must be fitted with a passenger head restraint, this need not be adjustable but must be fitted as an integral part of the seat slip on type head restraints are not permitted. Where a vehicle used for driving instruction is fitted with a dual control accelerator pedal, it must be disconnected for the test. The engine must not be altered to run especially fast. No items should be left unsecured in the vehicle when produced for a test, including on the rear seat, rear foot wells and rear parcel shelf and the interior of the vehicle should be in an appropriate state of cleanliness. Legally sized L Plates must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle in a vertical or near vertical position and on a flat surface. L Plates that are wrapped around the forks of a motorcycle on the front mudguard or mounted on the flat bonnet of a car are not acceptable. They must not interfere with the driver's or examiner's view. Vehicles presented for the practical test must be representative of their type/class. The following vehicles (at the time of writing) are not permitted to be used for a test:- Piaggio MP3 125 and 250, BMW C1, Thumpster 125, Thump 50, Mini Cooper Convertible, Ford KA convertible, Volkswagon Beetle Convertible, Toyota I.Q. Any vehicle with an electronic parking brake cannot be used for tests. Space-saver tyres cannot be used on a test. Front view windscreen wipers should be fitted and be in good working order. Rear view windscreen wipers are recommended to ensure that clear vision can be maintained at all times through the rear window for the driver and the examiner. If they happen not to be factory fitted or are not in working order, then the test will be taken if, at the discretion of the examiner, the conditions are such that safety will not be compromised. If the conditions are not considered safe, then the test will not be taken and the candidate will lose their fee. If during the test the conditions change, the examiner may terminate the test and the candidate will lose their fee.

9 Left hand drive vehicles cannot be used on test. High level rear brake lights must be in working order if factory fitted. The bodywork/bumper/mirrors must not be in a damaged condition that could potentially cause injury to other road users. A vehicle that has a known safety fault cannot be taken on test and must first be checked and fixed. Indicators must be fitted and be in good working order. No pets are permitted in the vehicle. Accompanying people in the vehicle during the test must be a minimum of 18 years old. Reversing beepers/reversing aids can be used but not in place of the required observations. Any vehicle which does not comply with the MTV standards will not be taken on test and the test fee will be forfeited. Any candidate who is unsure whether or not their vehicle will meet the standards for its class or type are advised to contact the driving test centre for advice prior to booking the practical test. For clarification, the following vehicles can be used on test. Vehicles with hill-start assist can be used for a test. [Hill-start assist is a feature that stops vehicles rolling back when they start on steep slopes.] Hire cars Categories P, A1 and A Any candidate who is successful on a practical test on any motorcycle with automatic or semiautomatic transmission, will have this recorded on the pass certificate and the full licence entitlement will be restricted to motorcycles within this category. The minimum test vehicle requirements for a motorcycle and side-car combination are the same as for the solo machines, but categories A and A1 must not exceed a power to weight ratio of 0.16 kw/kg. Passengers are not allowed to ride in the sidecar during the test. The licence obtained as a result of this test will be restricted to this combination of vehicle. A left and right mirror must be mounted. P a 2-wheeled or 3-wheeled vehicle which is powered by: a) an internal combustion engine having a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres, or b) an electrical engine having a maximum continuous rated power not exceeding 4KW A1 A a 2-wheeled vehicle, with or without a sidecar, with a maximum design speed of over 50 kilometres per hour or, if it is powered by an internal combustion engine, with a cubic capacity exceeding 50cc but not exceeding 125cc, and of a power not exceeding 11 kilowatts a 2-wheeled vehicle, with or without a sidecar, with a cubic capacity exceeding 125 cc. Categories B1, B and B+E B1 B A motor powered tricycle or quadricycle that must have an unladen weight of not more than 550 kg and be capable of at least 60 kph (37.25 mph). Vehicles presented for test must be a four wheeled vehicle of no more than 3500 kilograms (kg) maximum authorised mass (MAM) capable of a speed of at least 100 kilometers per hour (kph) (62.5 mph).

10 The vehicle must be fitted with an interior mirror and externally mounted nearside and offside mirrors for use by the driver and an additional interior mirror for use by the examiner or any person supervising the test. There must be unobstructed vision through the rear window. The minimum test vehicle standards for a car also apply to a car and trailer test, with additional requirements for the trailer. B+E Vehicles presented for test must be a category B vehicle towing a suitably braked trailer of at least 750kg MAM but must not exceed the MAM of the towing vehicle. The examiner may ask for evidence of the trailer MAM, for example, the manufacturer's plate. All vehicle combinations must operate on appropriate brakes and utilise a coupling arrangement suitable for the weight. The towing vehicle must be fitted with externally mounted nearside and offside mirrors for use by the driver and additional externally mounted nearside and offside mirrors for use by the examiner or any person supervising the test. The cargo compartment of the trailer must consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the towing vehicle; the closed box body may be slightly less wide than the towing vehicle provided that the view to the rear is only possible by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the towing vehicle. W.E.F. 1 st June 2014, the trailer will need to include a load requirement of 600kg consisting of clearly marked sand bags appropriately secured for the test. Categories C1, C1+E, C and C+E All goods vehicles presented for test must have seatbelts and be fitted with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) except C1 vehicles. The vehicle must be fitted with externally mounted nearside and offside mirrors for use by the driver and additional externally mounted nearside and offside mirrors for use by the examiner or any person supervising the test. In all cases the view to the rear must be by use of external mirrors only. All vehicle combinations must operate the appropriate service brakes and utilise a heavy duty coupling arrangement suitable for the weight. C1 C1+E A vehicle with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of at least 4 tonnes, at least 5 metres in length, capable of 80 km/h (50 mph) and with a closed box cargo compartment at least as wide and as high as the cab. There are two types of test vehicle in the C1+E category: A drawbar outfit made from a combination of a category C1 vehicle towing a trailer of at least 2 tonnes MAM with a combined length of at least 8 metres, capable of 80 km/h (50 mph) and with a closed box trailer at least as wide and as high as the towing vehicle. The examiner may ask for evidence of the trailer MAM, for example, the manufacturer's plate. A medium sized articulated lorry with a MAM of at least 6 tonnes with a combined length of at least 8 metres, capable of 80 km/h (50 mph) and with a closed box trailer at least as wide and as high as the towing vehicle.

11 W.E.F. 1 st June 2014 the trailer will need to include a load requirement of 600kg consisting of clearly marked sand bags appropriately secured for the test. C C+E A rigid goods vehicle with a MAM of at least 10 tonnes, at least 8 metres in length, 2.31 metres maximum in width, capable of 80 km/h (50 mph). The vehicle must be fitted with a 5 or 6 speed gearbox (manual tests) as a minimum, a closed box cargo compartment at least as wide and as high as the cab and a maximum length of 9.45 metres (Guernsey maximum). W.E.F. 1 st June 2014 the vehicle will need to include a load requirement of 5,000kg consisting of five water filled intermediate bulk containers (IBC) securely fitted. There are two types of test vehicle in the C + E category: An articulated vehicle with a MAM of at least 18 tonnes, with a minimum length of metres (Guernsey maximum) and 2.31 metres maximum in width. The vehicle should be capable of 80 km/h (50 mph), be fitted with a 6 speed gearbox (manual tests) as a minimum and have a closed box cargo trailer compartment at least as wide and as high as the cab. W.E.F. 1 st June 2014 the trailer will need to include a load requirement of 5,000kg consisting of eight water filled intermediate bulk containers (IBC) securely fitted. A drawbar outfit made from a combination of a category C vehicle and trailer. For further details of dimensions please contact Driver & Vehicle Licensing. The towing vehicle and trailer will each need to include a load requirement of 2,500kg (a 3,000kg/2,000kg split will also be permitted) consisting of four water filled intermediate bulk containers (IBC) securely fitted. Categories D1, D1+E, D and D+E All Passenger carrying vehicles presented for test must have seatbelts and must be fitted with an ABS braking system (except D1, D manual or DE vehicles). The vehicle must be fitted with externally mounted nearside and offside mirrors for use by the driver and additional externally mounted nearside and offside mirrors for use by the examiner or any person supervising the test All vehicle combinations must operate the appropriate service brakes and utilise a heavy duty coupling arrangement suitable for the weight. D1 D1+E A Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) with 9-16 passenger seats with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of at least 3.5 tonnes, of at least five metres in length and capable of 80 km/h (50 mph). A category D1 vehicle towing a trailer of at least 1.25 tonnes MAM, capable of 80 km/h (50 mph) and with a closed box trailer at least two metres high and two metres wide. W.E.F. 1 st June 2014 the trailer will need to include a load requirement of 600kg consisting of clearly marked sand bags appropriately secured for the test. D A Passenger Carrying Vehicle with 17 or more passenger seats, at least 9 metres in length, 2.35 metres maximum in width and capable of 80 km/h (50 mph D+E A category D vehicle towing a trailer of at least 1.25 tonnes MAM. The vehicle combination should be capable of 80 km/h (50 mph) and have a closed box trailer at least two metres high and two metres wide. W.E.F. 1 st June 2014 the trailer will need to include a load requirement of 600kg consisting of clearly marked sand bags appropriately secured for the test. tcta/driving tests-examiners/minimum test Vehicle Sheet May 14 as approved

12 Eco-safe driving/riding is a recognised and proven style of driving and riding that contributes to road safety whilst reducing fuel consumption and emissions. On your driving test, an assessment is made of your ability to drive/ride in a way that demonstrates recognition of the principles of eco safe driving/riding. Be an eco-safe driver or rider and contribute to road safety as well as reducing your fuel consumption and vehicle emissions. Making changes to your driving or riding style will also save you money. The driving examiner will assess control and planning and at the end of the test will give you feedback, as guidance, on how efficiently you re driving. Control Always try and use the vehicle controls as smoothly as possible, with particular attention to: Starting and moving away Accelerating - Using gears - Driving/riding at an appropriate speed. This will reduce wear and tear on your vehicle/motorcycle and will help in reducing CO2 emissions. Planning Reduce harmful emissions by anticipating road and traffic conditions. Act in good time, rather than reacting to them at the last moment, especially: Showing hazard awareness and planning - Making use of engine braking - Stopping the engine when appropriate Tips for eco-safe driving and riding Check your tyres and keep them at recommended pressures. Don t carry unnecessary weight. Remove roof-racks or luggage boxes when not needed to reduce air resistance. Don t exceed speed limits and accelerate gently. Consider using cruise control where it would be appropriate. Turn off your engine if you re likely to have a prolonged wait. Use air conditioning only when you need to. Plan your route to avoid known congestion points. Try to travel during off-peak times. You will not fail the test because you do not demonstrate purely eco-safe driving/riding techniques and any purely eco-safe driving faults accrued during the natural drive at this time will not be included in the final total of driving faults. This may however be introduced fully into the body of the test at some point in the future.